Cabinet top connector assembly



Sept. 25, 1956 H. D. DRAIN CABINET TOP CONNECTQR ASSEMBLY Filed Jan. 12, 1953 United States Patent 2,763,874 CABINET TOP CONNECTOR ASSEMBLY Herbert D. Drain, Altadena, Calif., assignor, by mesne assignments, to Church of Religious Science, Los Angeles, Calif., a corporation of California Application January 12, 1953, Serial No. 330,697

11 Claims. (Cl. 4-187) This invention relates to cabinet or table top constructions and is more particularly concerned with a connecting strip assembly for closing the space normal- 1y occurring between the top edges of adjoining sink Assembly, Serial No. 229,552, filed June 2, 1951, now

abandoned.

Numerous kitchen sink units are provided commercially for installation in side-by-side relation with other cabinet units of the table top type which comprise a compartmented base cabinet having a unitary sink structure mounted in the top thereof, the edges of the top structure being rounded and provided with a downwardly extending marginal flange of substantial depth, which flange projects outwardly of the surfaces of the front and ends of the base cabinet. This type of sink is designed for installation adjacent to or between table top cabinets which generally comprise a linoleum or plastic covered top set on a base cabinet, with the edges of the top projected outwardly some distance from .the vertical surfaces of the base. When the sink unit is installed with the rounded edge or rolled rim of the metal sink top abutted against the squared edge of the adjoining cabinet top a groove-like space between theunits results, which breaks the top surface and which is difficult to keep clean.

front edges of adjoining units being out of alignment, as well as being separated by grooves due to the rounded corners on the sink top.

Also, there are variations in the width of the respective units which frequently result in the It is a general object of the present invention to provide a connecting strip assembly for bridging the space between the top edges of adjoining sink and cabinet units, which connecting strip will provide a relatively smooth connection between the top surfaces of the units, which will assist in holding the units in rigid connected relation and which will join the front edge molding or trim of the cabinet units to the front edge of the sink unit in a satisfactory manner.

It is another object of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly for connecting between adjoining sink and counter tops, which will provide a relatively smooth surface between the adjoining top and front edge surfaces of the units and which is readily adapted for installation with units of different top widths.

It is a more specific object of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly for joining the top surfaces and front edges of a rolled rim cabinet sink unit and an adjoining work top cabinet unit, which assembly comprises a top strip member of generally T-shaped cross section having laterally extending top flanges which are adapted to project over the adjoining edges of the sink rim and cabinet top members, and having a stem or body portion which is adapted to be positioned in the space between the units, in combination with a front edge 2,753,374 Patented Sept. 25, 1955 connector member of generally rectangular shape which is adapted to be positioned at the front edges of the units and which includes a fastening member for clamping the same to a portion of the adjoining cabinet units, the edge connector member having end walls shaped to conform to the contour of the front edges of the adjoining units whereby to provide a connection between the same and having a top wall extending over the front end of the top strip member to clamp the same in position on the units.

It is another object of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly for joining the top surfaces of adjoining cabinet sink and work top cabinet units, which assembly comprises a top strip member of generally T-shaped cross section which is initially bowed lengthwise thereof in combination with means for anchoring the one end of the same at the rear edge of the units and for clamping the other end of the same at the forward edge of the units, whereby to resiliently hold the intermediate portions thereof in engagement with the top surfaces of the units.

It is a further object .of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly of the type described wherein the front edge connector member comprises angularly related top and front walls which are adapted to be positioned with the top wall extending over the front end of the top strip member and a clamping plate adapted to be positioned beneath the adjoining edge margins of the units and clamped to the top wall of the edge connector member by a screw extending through an aperture in the same.

It is another object of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly of the type described wherein the front edge connector member comprises angularly related top and front walls which are adapted to be positioned with the top wall extending over the front end of the top strip member and an angle clamp adapted to be positioned with one leg beneath the margin of one of the units and with the other leg adjustably connected to the inner face of the front wall of the edge connector member by a bolt or the like.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a trim connector assembly which is of simple construction, which has a minimum number of parts for installation, which can be installed with a minimum of tools, which is so constructed that it is held in position in a resilient manner, and which is adapted to be installed under varying conditions,

These and other objects of the invention will be apparent from a consideration of the trim connecting assemblies which are shown by way of illustration in the accompanying drawings wherein:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a table top base cabinet unit and portions of an adjoining rolled rim sink cabinet unit which are connected with a trim connector assembly made in accordance with the principles of this invention;

Fig. 2 is an exploded perspective view, to an enlarged scale, of the members constituting the trim connector assembly with portions of the top connector strip broken away;

Fig. 3 is a perspective view, to an enlarged scale, of the trim connector assembly and portions of the adjoining cabinet units showing the connector members in the position of final installation, with portions of the top connector strip broken away;

Fig. 4 is a cross section taken on the line 44 of Fig. 3, to an enlarged scale;

Fig. 5 is a cross section taken on the line 5-5 of Fig. 3, to an enlarged scale;

Fig. 6 is a section taken on the line 6--6 of Fig. 3, to an enlarged scale,

Fig. 7 is an exploded perspective view' showing a modi fied form of the trim connector assembly, with portions broken away; and

Fig. 8 is a section, taken along the axis of the top connector strip of the modified form, with the-members in assembled relation on the units. 7

Referring to Figs. 1 to 6 of the drawingathere is illustrated a trim strip connector assemblywhich embodies the principles ofthe invention and which is illustrated in connection with a rolled rim cabinet sink unit installed adjacent to a table top cabinet unit, the latter having a top member with the marginal edges projecting-.anappreciable distance beyond the adjacent vertical wall surface but not extendingbeyond such surface thesamedistance as the front marginaltopedge-of the adjoining sink unit.

The trim strip connectcrfassembly 10 comprisesatop connector strip member 11 which is ofgen'erally fii shaped cross section having a verticalbody orstem portion'12 and laterally ext-endingfiange p0rti0ns 13and14 which constitute the top of the memberand fromwhichthejbody or stem 12 depends. .Atoneend the body por'tion 12 is cutaway at and an axially extending pin 16,is,secured thereto in any desirable manner with 'the-pointed lend extending beyondth-e margin of the .jtop flange portions 13 and'14. The memberll is preferably formed of a relatively resilient material, 'for example, stainless-steel, and initially given a slight bow throughout its length so that the top thereof isslightly concave. It maybe formed of sheet material or of an extruded section. ,one laterally extending flange 13 maybe somewhat wider than the other flange 14 so that it will accommodate a curved edge of relatively large radius. The member .11 is adapted to be positioned with the body portion 12 extending downwardly into the space 17 between the adjacent edges of the top members on the sink cabinet and base cabinet units 18 and 19. The top flanges 13 and 14 may be curved downwardly or beaded somewhat at the marginal edges so that they engage the top surfaces of the adjoining units 18 and 19 to provide a seal between the same and the groove 17, with the top surface having 'a'slight transverse curvature.

'The'front edge connector member 2!} which is provided comprises a top surface forming portion 21 and an angularly related front edge forming flange 2 2. -Thetop memer 21 is initially'bowed slightlyin the lengthwise direction so that the'center is somewhat higher than the front and rear ends thereof. It is also widened 'or extended' laterally 'on the side which'is engaged With the sinkcabinet unit 13. The margins on the widened side of the topf21 and on the front flange '22 are connectedbya'web 23 which is formed with a curved edge 24 of substantially thesame curvature asthe top edge of'the' sink cabinet unit ls. Different connector members ,m'ay'be provided with the edge 24 shaped to conform-to "different standard types of sink cabinet topedge. The margins of the top and front flange membe'rs'2l and 22 are turned inward slightly to insure proper engagement with the surfaces of-the cabinet units.

The frontcorinector member-ZU-is secured in'position by means of a clamp which consists of a bottomfplate'25 and a clamping screw 26. Thescrew26'extends through a suitable hole 2-7 in thetop-Zl of the 'connector'rnember, so that it may be readily tightened-by means of a screw driver or similar tool. I

The connector assembly 10 is installed on theun its" by inserting the pin 16 in an aperture 28 providedin'the back wall against whichthe cabinet units'are positioned, with the stem portion -12 depending into the space 17 between the unlts. If the cabinets are set against a plaster wall the pin '16 may be forced into the plaster by pressure on the. other end of the member ll. The member -1 1 is.ini-

be urged forwardly. The'top 21 of'thefron't edge "member 20 is made of suflicientflength to overlap the forward end of the member 11 when the member 20 is positioned with the front flange 22 seated against the front edges of the units 18 and 19. After it is properly positioned the member 20 is forced into clamping engagement with the top surfaces and the front edges of the adjoining cabinet units by means of the clamp plate 25 and screw 26, the plate ZSbeing positioned beneath the bottom margins-of the front flange portions of the adjoining cabinet units and the screw v26 being taken up with a screw driver until the plate 25 is clamped tightly in position, securing the member 20 in clamping relation on the front edge of the cabinets. The top member 21'engages over the forward end of member 11 and resiliently holds member 11 in position. The extent of the overlap between the top 21 of member 20 and the end ofmember 11 is su flicient to take care of considerable variation inthe width of the cabinet unit tops.

."While the-assembly members 11 and 20 are described herewith as'formed of stainless steel or similar'material, it is'understood that other materials may be employed which will provide suflicient resiliency in the members to insure that the strip member 11 will remain in position with the top marginal edges tightly engaging the adjoining top surfaces of the cabinet units. Also, whilethe pin 16 is illustrated for. insertion in an aperture provided in the back wall, it will be-understood that the pin 16 may be inserted in anaperture provided in a suitable plateor back splash member extending along the cabinet top,'if desired. Also, the 'pin l6 may be replaced by a screw, hook or other fastening means of a similar character where access may be had to the same when it is installed, so "that the member 11 may be properly anchored or secured at the end with the top.margins of the same resiliently engaging the top surfaces of the adjoining cabinet units.

Referring to Figs. 7 and 8 of the drawings there is illustrated a modified form of the connector assembly which embodies the principal features of the invention. In this form the top connector strip member 30 isshaped to provide a vertical flange or stem 31. and laterally extending 'top flanges 32 and 33, with the top surfaces of thelatter being curved to give the top of the strip member a'slightly convex surface in the transverse direction. The vertical stem or'flangeifl'is provided with'longitudina'lly;spaced-apertures 3 4"to permit it to'be attached, byjm'eans of screws or nails to the vertical edge of one of the units when it'is possible to raise orseparate one ftheupitsrelative to theother during installation. 'The st p m mbe fifl p vide a on i a i lly ext ndinga hc ns'pin;3 wh hm y be w d o thtially positioned with the rear end portions of the top flanges .13 and 1 4 firmly engaging the adjacent top margins of the cabinet units. The longitudinalibow 'in'the member 11 will cause the forward end of the member to 91 .3- een i c str phm mh :3 b w on d al loiiasur resil n en m n i mp ma sit ell d o t un t i h j am man a d e "infi ml sti n "w t p, tr p m m J The front edge connector member 360i the modified iform comprises angularly related 'top and front .flange jfoifmingportions37 'and 38. The front flange 38 and forward portions jof the flange 37 .arejsomewhat wider "than the stri'p 'memberfitl. .Ihesideedge of the top and front fla'ng'es 37 and 33, which adjoins the sink cabinet, is connected byaweb portion 39 whichrnay be cut or trimmed .as shown to 'fit the contour of'the sink cabinet. The top flange 37 is curved slightly in the transverse idirectionc'or -responding to the curvature of the top strip member 3tlfa'nd is of suflicient length to extend over the front-end of the top strip member 30 when assembled.

Aniangle bracket 40,is 'secu'red onjthe inside of the front flange 38 with one web or leg'41 extending vertically and adapted to be p'ositioncd in the space between the units. jRreife'rably several nail or screw holes 42 are provided1 in the vertical leg .41 to permit attachment 'to one of the this, if access 'inaybe' had to the end of the same when seesaw the connector assembly is installed. An angle clamp is provided with the two legs 44 and 45 at an angle slightly less than 90. One leg 44 of the clamp angle is slotted at 46 to receive a screw or bolt 47 which extends through an aperture 48 in the flange 38 of the edge connector member 36 and engages with a flat nut 49, the latter having a bent tongue 50 extending into the slot 46 and preventing the same fromturning when a screw driver is applied to the slotted head of the screw 47 to tighten the same and secure the angle member 43 in position.

The modified form of the device is installed in the same manner as the form shown in Figs. 1 to 6 except for securing the front edge member 36. The latter is positioned on the units after the clamping angle 43 is loosely secured thereto by the bolt and nut 47, 49. The clamping angle 43 is then adjusted by applying pressure to the leg 45 and the top flange 36 of the edge connector member. While these members are held in clamping position the bolt 47 is tightened to secure the clamping angle 43 and the edge connecting member 36 in clamped relation, with the front end of the top strip member 30 held in position beneath the top flange 37 of the front edge connecting member 36.

When the work cabinet can be elevated or moved to make the end adjoining the sink accessible the strip membermay be initially secured to the vertical edge of the cabinet top by means of the apertures 34 and cooperating fastening screws, or the like, with the screw at the rear end being applied first and additional screws applied successively towards the front end while the strip member 1 Both of the illustrated forms of the connector assembly 7 have been described as employed between a sink unit and a base cabinet but their use is not restricted to such units. The assembly may be employed between any two similar work or appliance units or combinations of similar units which are positioned in adjoining relation with their top work surfaces in the same plane.

While specific materials and particular details of construction have been referred to in order to clearly illustrate the invention, it will be understood that other materials and other details of construction may be employed within the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A trim connector assembly for bridging the space between adjoining work units comprising a strip member of generally T-shaped cross-section having laterally extending top flange portions projecting over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said units, the stem portion of said strip member being positioned in the space between the units, a pin extending rearwardly from the rear end of said strip member in position for insertion in anchoring relation in an apertured member at the back of the units, and a front edge member having an edge portion shaped to the contour of the adjacent front edges of said units, said front edge member having a top portion extending over the top front end portion of said strip member and clamping means for securing said front edge member in position on said units, whereby said assembly may be positioned and secured on the adjoining edges of the work units after said work units are located in their final position adjacent each other.

2. A trim connector assembly for bridging the space between adjoining work units comprising a strip member of resilient plate material folded to form a generally T-shaped cross section with top flange formations adapted to extend over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said 'units and with a stem formation adapted to be positioned in the space between the units, an anchor member at the rear end of said strip member and extending rearwardly thereof, which anchor member is adapted to be received in a cooperating anchor formation at the back of the units, an angular front edge connecting member having top and front portions with the lateral edges thereof shaped to the contour of the adjacent front and top edges of said units, said front edge connecting member having a top portion of sufiicient length to overlap the top front end portion of said strip member, means including a clamping plate cooperating with said front edge member for engaging in clamping relation beneath the margins of the forward portions of said units, and a screw connecting said clamping plate to the top portion of said front edge connecting member.

3. A trim connector assembly as recited in claim 2 wherein said strip member is initially bowed downwardly between its ends whereby when clamped in position the edges of the top flange formations snugly engage the top surfaces of said units. 4. In a trim connector assembly for bridging the space .between adjoining work units, a strip member of generally T-shaped cross-section having laterally extending top flange portions for projecting over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said units and having a stem portion for positioning in the space between the units, an anchor member projecting at the rear end of said strip member in the lengthwise direction of said strip member and positioned for ready engagement in an apertured anchor member at the back of the units, said strip member having its top portion initially bowed lengthwise thereof, and a front edge member having a top and a front portion with lateral edge portions thereon shaped to the contour of the adjacent front edges of said units, said front edge member having the top portion extending over the top front end of "said strip member and having clamping means adjustably secured to the front portion thereof for securing said front edge member in position between said units whereby to secure said strip member at its ends with the central portion thereof in resilient engagement with the edges of said adjacent top surfaces of said units.

5. A connector strip assembly for bridging the space between the top edges of adjoining work units compris- "ing a strip member having a body portion adapted to be positioned in the space between the work units and having a top flange forming portion adapted to project over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said work units, said strip member having an anchoring element projecting rearwardly from the rear end thereof, which element is adapted to engage with means stationarily associated with said work units for securing the rear end of said 'strip member against movement relative to said work units, a cap member having a front portion shaped to span the "adjacent front edges of said work units and having a top portion shaped to overlap the front end of said strip member, and means carried by said cap member and en- 'gageable with one of said work units for clamping said -cap member in position, whereby said strip member and said cap member are both clamped in position with re- 1 spect to said work units.

6. A connector strip assembly for bridging the space :between the top edges of adjoining work units comprising a strip member having a body portion adapted to be positioned in the space between the work units and hav- -.ing a top flange forming portion adapted to project over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said work units, said strip member having an anchoring element projecting rearward1y from the rear end thereof which element is adapted to interengage with means stationarily associated with said work units for anchoring the rear end of said strip member against movement relative to said work units, a front edge forming cap member having a front portion shaped to the contour of the adjacent front edges of -aid w rk uni anon-t p port ve ppin t front nd of sa d 9 stop mem er. an rc a p g l m carried ;by said cap rnember "and ;engageable with the underside'of one of:said units forclampingsaid cap mem bet in position, wherebysaidstrip member and said cap member are both clamped in position with respect to said work units.

7. A connectorstrip assembly for bridging the space between the top edges of adjoining work units comprising astrip member of resilient material having a body portion adapted to be-positioned inthespace between the work units and having a -top flange-forming portion adapted to projectover the edges of theadjacent top surfaces of said work units, said-strip member having an anchoring element projecting rearwardly from the rear end thereof which element is adapted to engage with means stationarily associated with said work units for securing the rear end of said-stripgmemberagainst movement relative-tosaid work units, saidstrip member being initially bowed in thelengthwise direction, a cap member having a front portion shaped to spanthe-adjacent front edges ,of said work units andhaving a top portion shaped to overlap thefront end of said strip member, andvmeans carried by said cap member and engageable with one of said work units for clamping said cap member in position, whereby said strip member and said cap member are clamped in position with respect tosaid work units, with the top flange portions of said strip member in tight resilient engagement with the top surfaces of said work units.

,8. A connector'strip assembly for bridging the space between the top edges of adjoining work units comprisinga striptmember having a body portion adapted to be positioned in the space between the work unitsandhav- .ing a top flange forming portion adapted to project over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said work units,

said strip member having an anchoringelement projectportionshaped to overlap the front end of said strip member, said cap member having a web portion extendinginwardly of the front and top sidesand projecting between the top edges of the adjoiningwo-rk units, and anangular clamping element for securing said cap member in position, saidclamping element having one leg thereof adjustably secured to the front of said cap member and having:the other leg thereof extending in clamping engagement beneath one of said work units, wherebygsaidstrip member and said cap-member are bothclamped in position with respect to" said work units.

9. In a trim connector'assemblyfor bridging the space between adjoining sink and work table units, a strip member-of generally T-shapedcrosslsection having top flange portions for projecting over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said unitsandhaving'astem portion for positioningin the space between the units, an anchor member projecting rearwardly at the rear end of said strip member :in the direction of the lengthwise axis of .said strip mem- -berand adapted to be engaged with an apertured anchor formation at the back of the units to secure'said rear end against upward movement relative to-said units, said strip -member'having the ends of-its topflange portion initially bowed upwardly in the lengthwise direction of the strip member, and a front edge forming member having lateral front edge portions shaped to the contour of the adjacent front edges of said'units, said front edge forming member having a top portion arranged to extend over the top *front end of said'strip member'and having means'includa r '8 inga clamping member engageable with one of saijd units forsecuringsaid :front edge forming member in clamped relation betweensaidunits whereby tosecure the ends of saidstn'p member'with said strip member in substantially straight condition and with the top flange portions in resilient engagementwith the edges of said adjacent topsurfaces of said units.

'10. In a connector assembly for bridging the space between adjoining work units, a strip member formed from a strip of resilient sheet material to provide agenerally T-shaped cross-section having top flange portions for projectinglaterallyover the edges of the adjacent'tjop surfaces of said units and having a stem portion for positioning in thespace between the units, an anchor member projecting inwardly at the rear end 'of said'strip member for connecting to an anchor formation at the back ofthe units to secure said rear end ofsaid strip member against upward movement .relative to the top surfaces of said work units, ajfront edge forming member having top and front sides with the lateral edges thereof shaped to the contour of the adjacent front edges of said units, said 'strip member and said front edge forming memberhaving the top portions thereof initially bowedlengthwise .withthe strip member being bowed in a direction to cause the ends thereof to curve upwardly relative to the top surfaces of said units and the front edge forming member'being bowed'in a direction to cause the inner endthereof to curve downwardly relative to the top surfaces of said units, and meansincluding a clampingmember'secured on said front edge forming member 'and-engageable with one of said units for'securing said front edge 'forming'member in position between said units with the inner end thereof overlapping the top fiange forming portions at the front end of said strip member whereby said strip member is secured in position with its-ends anchored and'with the center portion of said laterally projecting'flangeportions in resilient engagement with the edges of said adjacent top surfaces of said units.

11. In a connector assembly for bridging the space between adjoining-work units, a-stripmember formed from astrip of resilient sheet material to provide a generally T -shaped cross section having top flange portions for projecting laterally over the edges of the adjacent top surfaces of said unit-s'andhaving-a stem portion for positioning-in the space between the units, an anchor member at the rear end of said strip member for connecting to 'anenchor formation at the back of the units to secure said rearendof said-strip member in position, a front edge formingmemberhavingtop and front sides -With thelateral edges of the latter shaped to the contourofthe adjacent front edges of 'said units, saidstrip member having its ends initially bowed upwardly in thelength- .wise direction of said strip member, .and a clamping angle ahavinga leg thereof adjustably secured to .the front.side

of said from edge member whensaid assembly is installed :between said units withthe inner end of the top ;side of said1frontedge member overlapping the front end -of said strip .member, .said clamping angle having a .portion thereof extendingbeneath the top of one of said adjoining units and clamping said assembly thereto wherebysaid strip memberis secured in engagement withthe top :surfaces of said-work units with its ends anchored and the center portion in resilient engagement with said surfaces of said units.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS 

